In conversation with Heli Tappo
Heli Tappo’s journey with Lindström began in 2020. She made a courageous leap in 2022 from sales representative to sales manager.
Now based in Tartu, Estonia, Heli leads a spirited team of six sales representatives. Together, they cover almost the entire Estonian region, not just maintaining the status quo but excelling at bringing new customers on board and nurturing existing relationships. Each team member brings their own unique strengths to the table, creating an environment where collaboration and mutual support are the norms. Heli’s open and approachable leadership style ensures that her team feels comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas.
New beginnings
Driven by her passion for working with people, Heli sought a career change and found the perfect fit in the sales representative position at Lindström. After an exhaustive interview process, which included hands-on cooperation day with a sales trainer, she was welcomed into the Lindström family. Her first day on the job coincided with the government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions.
“Onboarding during COVID was challenging,” Heli recalls, describing how everything had to be conducted via Teams, which meant no in-person interactions. During this time, with sales representatives unable to visit customers, Heli assisted the overwhelmed customer service team, managing a surge in service order cancellations. As summer arrived, she was finally able to dive into her regular work tasks. Her then-manager’s immense support helped her integrate into the team, feel comfortable asking questions, and learn on the job.
Opportunities and growth
At Lindström, professional growth is not just encouraged; it’s nurtured. The company offers tailored opportunities and training programmes, promoting innovative solutions and improvements. Employees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas and skills that benefit both themselves and their teams. Heli highlights that growth can happen within one’s own team or across different departments. If you’re eager to learn and grow at Lindström, all you need to do is ask.
Teamwork makes the dream
Heli speaks fondly of Lindström’s ability to bring like-minded people together. She notes that employees work just as effectively in teams as they do individually, thanks to the seamless communication between managers and team members. Heli emphasises the genuine camaraderie within her team, where members greet each other with hugs and treat one another with respect, regardless of their backgrounds. Working together, she believes, not only makes the workdays easier but also more enjoyable.
People make the day
“People are the best part of my job,” Heli says with a smile. While her role involves significant computer work, the true joy comes from meeting clients and introducing them to Lindström’s services and products. Her passion for her job and the services and products Lindström offers make her work feel effortless. “When you treat people nicely, so too will you be treated,” Heli emphasises. At Lindström, everyone is treated equally, regardless of their title or position. Respect and fairness are cornerstones of Lindström’s work culture, and employees consistently go the extra mile, whether for their own tasks or to assist their colleagues.
Who: Heli Tappo
Role at Lindström: Sales Manager
Location: Tartu, Estonia
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